Laparoscopy

What is Laparoscopy?

A laparoscopy is a minimally invasive diagnostic procedure that doctors perform to examine the peritoneal area in the abdomen and obtain a biopsy sample of abnormal tissue. This procedure is generally recommended for patients who present with symptoms such as peritoneal effusion and who are suspected of having peritoneal mesothelioma. It is considered a “closed” procedure and therefore less invasive and less risky that an open surgery such as laparotomy. In fact, if the primary purpose for the examining the abdominal region is to perform a biopsy, a laparoscopy is recommended over laparotomy because it has a lower risk level, is lower cost and can often be done on an outpatient basis.

What to Expect if Your Doctor Recommends Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy is typically done in a hospital using general anesthesia. During the procedure, the surgeon will make a couple of small incisions in the stomach. The surgeon will next proceed to inflate the belly by inserting a small needle through one of the incisions so that a gas, such as carbon dioxide, can slowly inflate the area to allow a clearer view of the organs in the region. In the next step, a laparoscope, a narrow tube with a tiny video camera and light on the end, is inserted through another incision. Using this device, the surgeon can view the peritoneal area. A special instrument is then used to perform the biopsy of abnormal tissue. The tissue sample is promptly sent to the lab for analysis to determine if the patient has peritoneal mesothelioma. Once the biopsy is complete all of the instruments are removed and the gas is released. The incisions are then stitched and the procedure is complete. Laparoscopy usually lasts between thirty to ninety minutes. If there were no complications experienced during the procedure the patient will be allowed to return home after spending two to four hours in the recovery room.

Risks Associated with Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy is generally well tolerated by most people. Patients may have adverse reactions to anesthesia and may experience excessive bleeding or infection. There is also a chance that an organ may be punctured during the procedure which would require open abdominal surgery right away. This is also known as laparotomy.